Tulsa Race Massacre

Definition

The Tulsa Race Massacre was a devastating racial attack that occurred in June 1921 in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, an affluent African American community known as 'Black Wall Street.' Over a period of 18 hours, white residents, fueled by racial tensions and false accusations against a Black man, violently attacked the community, resulting in widespread destruction, numerous deaths, and the displacement of thousands. This event reflects the significant social and economic changes during the 1920s, particularly regarding race relations and the systemic violence faced by African Americans during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The massacre resulted in the destruction of more than 1,000 homes and businesses in the Greenwood District, leaving an estimated 10,000 residents homeless.
2. Casualty estimates vary widely, with reports suggesting anywhere from dozens to over 300 Black residents were killed during the violence.
3. The event was largely ignored by the national media at the time and was not included in history books for many decades afterward.
4. In the aftermath, many survivors struggled to rebuild their lives and communities without assistance, facing both physical and psychological trauma.
5. The Tulsa Race Massacre is considered one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history and highlights the extreme racism prevalent in society during the 1920s.

Review Questions

• How did the economic prosperity of the Greenwood District contribute to the racial tensions that led to the Tulsa Race Massacre?
  • The Greenwood District's economic prosperity made it a target for racial resentment from white residents who felt threatened by its success. As a thriving community known as 'Black Wall Street,' it showcased what African Americans could achieve despite systemic discrimination. This success amplified existing racial tensions, leading to an environment where a minor incident could escalate into widespread violence, as seen during the massacre.
• Discuss the role of media coverage (or lack thereof) in shaping public perception of the Tulsa Race Massacre and its long-term impact on historical memory.
  • The media coverage surrounding the Tulsa Race Massacre was minimal and biased at the time. Most news outlets either downplayed or ignored the events altogether, which contributed to a collective amnesia about this violent episode. The lack of accurate reporting allowed systemic racism to persist unchecked and delayed recognition of the massacre's significance in American history, perpetuating silence around racial violence for decades.
• Evaluate how the Tulsa Race Massacre reflects broader patterns of racial violence and economic inequality in America during the 1920s and beyond.
  • The Tulsa Race Massacre exemplifies broader patterns of racial violence driven by jealousy, fear, and systemic oppression against successful African American communities. It highlights how economic inequality was intertwined with race relations during the 1920s, where African Americans faced not only social marginalization but also violent backlash when they achieved economic success. This event set a precedent for future racial conflicts and underscored the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality that continued well into subsequent decades.

Related terms

Greenwood District: A prosperous African American neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as 'Black Wall Street' due to its successful businesses and vibrant community.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Racial Tensions: Conflicts and social unrest that arise from societal divisions based on race, often exacerbated by discrimination, prejudice, and historical injustices.